I bought my AM5N with the pier extension and TC40 tripod in July 2024.
I initially used it in visual only with a 107mm APO refractor for solar observing.
I then became more adventurous and bought the extension bar from ZWO and a 5kg counterweight in order to use it with my C11 EdgeHD for visual use (approximately 15kg of load).
I must say that I'm so far very pleased with the mount operation and performances. In particular I searched for user feedback regarding the added multi-star alignment but didn't find any. I did experience this multi-star alignment with my C11 during a recent star party, and it actually worked well, giving me more and more accurate goto's as I added alignment stars.
Lately I decided to try a more challenging test:, and loaded the mount with a 130mm APO refractor, filter wheel, OAG, guide camera and focuser for doing a full night astrophotography session (approximately 13kg of load).
Results have been very good, with RMS guiding below 0.5arcsec. I used the opportunity to test the 15mn delayed tracking stop after meridian, that was necessary for my automated meridian flip to operate properly.
I was a bit worry that the TC40 clamps would slip and let my equipment fall on the ground, or would be too unstable to cope with good guiding requirements, but so far so good.
If others want to share their experience either with relatively large astrophotographic loads or with the multi-star alignment for visual use, I would be interested.
End of the day, a fine piece of equipment even if the lack of a polar finder is a drawback for visual use.
Clear skies
